UCLA Global Online

Overview

As one of the four core team members selected to lead the launch of UCLA Global Online, I played a critical role in shaping the foundational design and strategic direction of this university-wide initiative. This project sought to extend UCLA’s academic presence beyond traditional campus boundaries by creating a centralized, scalable platform to deliver high-quality online courses and programs. My contributions involved collaborating with academic leadership, instructional designers, and technology specialists to establish guiding principles for curriculum development, digital pedagogy, and learner engagement. The overarching objective was to broaden access to UCLA’s rigorous academic offerings for both national and international audiences, thereby enhancing the institution’s global reach and reinforcing its commitment to inclusive, technology-enhanced education.

Course Design Framework

I contributed to the co-development of the Learn, Practice, Network (LPN) model, a pedagogical framework that served as the cornerstone of the program’s instructional design. This innovative approach was intentionally crafted to create immersive and narrative-driven learning experiences that actively engaged participants in meaningful ways. The model ensured a dynamic balance between flexibility and real-time interaction by integrating asynchronous, self-paced digital content with synchronous, live online sessions. This dual modality not only upheld UCLA’s rigorous academic standards but also prioritized learner-centered design by fostering deeper comprehension, practical skill development, and opportunities for professional networking. The LPN model ultimately aligned instructional excellence with the evolving needs of diverse national and international learners, enhancing both accessibility and engagement.

LEARN

Acquisition of Knowledge Through Engaging Online Content

Learners begin by immersing themselves in thoughtfully designed online materials that introduce and reinforce foundational concepts. The learning experience is intentionally structured to promote deeper understanding through a blend of multimedia resources, interactive elements, and scaffolded content. The approach supports diverse learning preferences while fostering active engagement and self-directed exploration by integrating various forms of digital media.

Illustrative learning activities include:

Viewing concise video lectures or animated explainers that introduce and contextualize key theoretical and practical concepts.
Engaging with curated readings such as scholarly articles, case studies, and eBooks to build conceptual depth and connect theory to real-world applications.
Exploring interactive infographics, visualizations, and digital simulations designed to illustrate complex ideas in an accessible, experiential manner.
Completing self-paced learning modules that are optimized for accessibility across multiple devices and browsers, ensuring a flexible and inclusive learning experience.
Participating in formative, low-stakes assessments—such as quizzes and polls—that allow learners to monitor their comprehension and receive immediate feedback.

This multi-modal approach not only promotes knowledge acquisition but also encourages learners to actively construct meaning, fostering higher-order thinking and long-term retention.

PRACTICE

Skill Development Through Authentic, Real-World Scenarios

Learners advance beyond foundational knowledge by engaging in experiential activities that emphasize the practical application of concepts in authentic contexts. This approach is grounded in experiential and problem-based learning principles, enabling participants to collaboratively address real-world challenges while drawing upon their personal experiences and the collective expertise of their peers. Learners cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving, and transferable professional skills that extend beyond the classroom by situating learning within meaningful scenarios.

Illustrative skill-building activities include:

Engaging in scenario-based branching simulations that allow learners to navigate complex, decision-driven situations and experience the consequences of their choices in a safe, controlled environment.
Completing project-based assignments that mirror industry practices and require learners to integrate knowledge, skills, and creativity to produce tangible, practice-oriented outcomes.
Analyzing real-life case studies to evaluate contextual variables, identify underlying issues, and propose evidence-based solutions that reflect industry standards and best practices.
Conducting peer reviews using structured rubrics, fostering critical evaluation, collaborative learning, and the development of constructive feedback skills.
Submitting reflective journals or audio/video check-ins to document applied learning experiences, encouraging self-assessment, metacognition, and deeper integration of theoretical concepts into professional practice.

Through these activities, learners not only develop discipline-specific competencies but also enhance their ability to think strategically, adapt to complex environments, and engage in meaningful professional collaboration.

NETWORK

Collaborative Engagement with Peers and Industry Experts

Learners deepen their understanding and broaden their professional perspectives by actively engaging with peers and industry practitioners in a variety of interactive settings. These opportunities for collaboration foster the exchange of diverse insights, practical experiences, and scholarly resources, creating a dynamic learning community. Learners enhance not only their academic growth but also their career readiness and capacity for ongoing professional development by cultivating professional networks and meaningful dialogue.

Representative engagement activities include:

Participating in asynchronous discussion forums or structured dialogue prompts, encouraging reflective discourse, critical thinking, and the co-construction of knowledge over time.
Attending live virtual events or webinars featuring guest experts, providing exposure to cutting-edge industry trends, emerging research, and diverse professional viewpoints.
Collaborating in small groups to address case-based projects, promoting teamwork, problem-solving, and the practical application of interdisciplinary expertise.
Leveraging professional networking platforms such as Slack, LinkedIn, or integrated LMS communication tools to build sustained peer and mentor relationships that extend beyond the course.
Engaging in fireside chats or moderated Q&A panels with industry leaders, offering learners direct access to expertise, mentorship, and insights from experienced practitioners.

Through these structured opportunities for interaction, learners build a sense of community, enhance their professional networks, and gain exposure to real-world perspectives that enrich their academic and practical understanding.

My Role

I provided leadership in the learning design, academic media production and content strategy for the pilot courses, establishing comprehensive, end-to-end development processes that ensured both efficiency and pedagogical rigor. This included designing scalable workflows and customized templates for departmental units and internal teams to maintain consistency and uphold quality standards across the entire program. In collaboration with subject matter experts and stakeholders, I created curriculum frameworks, detailed course outlines, and evidence-based instructional content aligned with learning objectives and institutional expectations. To enhance learner engagement and accessibility, I also produced a range of multimedia assets, led the production of expert interviews, narrated presentations, and created interactive learning materials, while integrating best practices in digital pedagogy and multimedia learning theory. I facilitated faculty training sessions and consultations, equipping instructors with the necessary tools and strategies to effectively deliver high-quality online learning experiences. Through these efforts, I contributed to the development of a sustainable learning model that could be adapted and scaled for future course offerings.

Introduction Video Teaser

A brief video has been developed to illustrate the overall course experience, providing a visual overview of the instructional design and learner journey. This video highlights the key multimedia components and interactive elements intentionally integrated into the pilot programs to enhance engagement and support diverse learning styles. This video serves as a concise demonstration of how technology, storytelling, and user-centered design principles were combined to create an immersive and pedagogically sound online learning environment.